NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo
NAFSA, the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange, invites you to the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida.
Global by Design
The theme "Global by Design" invites us to move using thoughtful planning, bold innovation, storytelling and advocacy, and sustained action. Explore how to design the future of our field with purpose, creativity, and imagination. Together, we’ll examine how forward-thinking strategies, cutting-edge approaches, and creative partnerships can amplify our impact and expand meaningful global experiences. This way, we can build a global education landscape that is not only responsive, but visionary — in other words, Global by Design.
Orlando is the perfect destination thanks to wondrous diversity that ensures an unforgettable stay filled with unique experiences for every visitor. In short, you’ll never run out of things to do in Orlando — and you’ll make a lifetime of cherished memories while you’re at it. Embrace and explore the cr…
Event Type: International Education Conferences. Cost: Member Prices
Early Bird (Feb 3 - April 1): $899
Regular (April 2 - May 23): $1,049
On-Site (May 24 - May 29): $1,199
Non-Member Prices
Early Bird (Feb 3 - April 1): $1,199
Regular (April 2 - May 23): $1,349
On-Site (May 24 - May 29): $1,499
Members who are students, retired, or LDC
Early Bird (Feb 3 - April 1): $525
Regular (April 2 - May 23): $675
On-Site (May 24 - May 29): $750. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: NAFSA.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 8:00 AM – Friday, May 29, 2026, 2:00 PM.
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Drive Orlando , FL 32819.
For more info visit www.nafsa.org. 2026 Symposium on Leadership
NAFSA welcomes you to join us at the 2026 Symposium on Leadership on May 26 in Orlando, a special signature program included with registration for the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo. No additional registration or fee required to attend!
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education, requiring senior international officers to make informed decisions that balance innovation, efficiency, and ethical responsibility. This symposium convenes global higher education leaders to examine how AI is reshaping international strategy, operations, and leadership practice. Through peer exchange and discussion, participants will learn about actionable frameworks for responsible AI adoption, strategies for risk mitigation and governance, and insights to align AI initiatives with institutional mission and global engagement goals. Leaders will leave better equipped to guide their institutions with clarity, confidence, and strategic foresight in an AI-enabled environment.
Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM.
Orlando, FL.
For more info visit www.nafsa.org. 2026 Next-Generation Strategy Development Challenge
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. EDT - Official Kickoff Meeting
Orlando, Florida
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. EDT - Team Presentations & Judging
Orlando, Florida
The 2026 Next-Generation Strategy Development Challenge is a special program included with registration for the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo. No additional registration or fee is required to participate in the challenge or attend the presentations and judging session!
The field of international education is constantly changing. Today’s students and young professionals are the future changemakers. The Next-Generation Strategy Development Challenge encourages all international education professionals (especially students, early-career professionals, and first-timers) to intentionally connect with their Annual Conference & Expo experience by role-playing and acting as teams at a fictional institution to address a specified real-world scenario. Participants collaborate in teams of 3-5 individuals acting as professionals withi…
Event Type: Workshops, Seminars & Institutes. Cost: Free. Cost included in NAFSA Conference admission. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 2:00 PM – Thursday, May 28, 2026, 4:20 PM.
Orlando, FL.
THE World 100 Reputation Academy 2026
High-level training on building reputation for global universities
The THE World 100 Reputation Academy 2026 is an intensive practical training programme that helps institutions around the world improve their knowledge of university reputation and develop effective strategies to build a global profile.
The academy is aimed at professional communications, marketing and international staff as well as leaders overseeing reputation. Delegates gain practical and strategic skills to strengthen reputation, deepen brand distinction and build awareness.
Event Type: International Education Conferences. Country of the event: United Kingdom. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 12:00 PM – Friday, May 29, 2026, 1:00 PM.
London, UK.
For more info visit www.timeshighered-events.com. Global summit on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering.
Cost: $749. Country of the event: Spain. State / City: madrid,spain. Organization: Research connects.
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 9:30 AM – Saturday, May 30, 2026, 6:30 PM.
madrid,spain.
For more info visit civil.researchconnects.org. ICEF USA
ICEF USA is a specially curated event that takes place immediately following the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference, enabling educators from North America to meet with top, ICEF-accredited education agencies from around the world.
Event Type: International Student Recruitment Fairs (Non-US Students). Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: ICEF.
Friday, May 29, 2026, 1:00 PM – Saturday, May 30, 2026, 2:00 PM.
Orlando, FL.
For more info visit www.icef.com. WES-CIHE Summer Institute
WES-CIHE Summer Institute brings together graduate students and early career researchers in international and comparative higher education from all over the globe. Since the founding of the Institute, we have hosted nearly 200 participants from more than 35 countries.
Online Location: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/lynch-school/sites/cihe/get-involved/wes-cihe-conference.html#tab-paper_submission_registration. Event Type: International Education Conferences. Cost: No registration fees will be collected. All accepted participants can attend the event, free of charge. Space is limited. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 2:00 PM – Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 3:00 PM.
For more info visit www.bc.edu. IHE US AI Summit 2026
Ensuring AI for the public good
Join us at the University at Buffalo for the IHE US AI Summit 2026, where leaders from higher education, industry and policy will come together to shape the future of artificial intelligence in the service of society.
At a defining moment for AI, this summit moves beyond theory to focus on action – exploring the governance frameworks, cross-sector partnerships and practical decisions required to advance trustworthy, responsible AI.
High-level panels, applied case studies and collaborative discussions will examine how AI can strengthen public infrastructure, expand economic opportunity and enhance human creativity while delivering measurable public value.
Event Type: International Education Conferences. Cost: See prices here: https://www.timeshighered-events.com/us-ai-summit-2026/page/5667045/book-tickets. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 5:00 PM – Thursday, June 4, 2026, 6:00 PM.
Buffalo, NY
University at Buffalo.
For more info visit www.timeshighered-events.com. CIEE 14th Annual Global Internship Conference 202
Leading Change in Global Internships in Europe’s Innovation Engine
The CIEE Global Internship Conference (GIC) brings together leaders in higher education, industry, and government to advance global work-integrated learning. It’s where knowledge is shared, ideas are sparked, and connections are made to support student success, public diplomacy, and economic growth. Join thought leaders and practitioners to explore the skills graduates need to launch careers, the employers attracting today’s interns, and the placements that empower students to thrive, give back to their communities, and address the challenges of our time.
Hailed as Europe’s Silicon Valley, Estonia is rapidly emerging as a global leader in redefining what internships can and should be. With its advanced digital infrastructure, AI-powered education systems, and forward-thinking public services, Estonia offers a bold new model for integrating technology, learning, and social impact.
Set in Tallinn – a living laboratory for innovation – this…
Event Type: International Education Conferences. Cost: General Admission
Early bird $825
Regular $925
Non-Profit/University
Early bird $700
Regular $800
Student
$150
One Day Pass
$500. Country of the event: Estonia. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – Friday, June 12, 2026.
Tallinn, Estonia.
For more info visit globalinternshipconference.com. ICEF South East Asia
Connecting global educators and service providers with high-quality, ICEF-screened international student recruitment agents from 20+ countries across the vast outbound market of Asia.
Event Type: International Student Recruitment Fairs (Non-US Students). Country of the event: Vietnam. Organization: ICEF.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 1:00 PM – Friday, June 12, 2026, 2:00 PM.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
For more info visit www.icef.com. Forum Virtual Institute: Institute on Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Management 2026
Advancing Health & Safety in Education Abroad
Join us in Boston, Massachusetts, in June 2026 for the Institute on Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Management (Health & Safety Institute)—where education abroad professionals will gather for the field’s premier event for risk management-related issues.
As our field navigates ongoing challenges, this Institute underscores the essential contributions of health, safety, and risk management professionals in fostering responsible and resilient education abroad programs.
Gather with us and leave with tangible tools to strengthen institutional and organizational strategies for risk mitigation, incident prevention, emergency response, and overall well-being for education abroad participants. .
Online Location: https://web.forumea.org/atlas/events-v4/register/3475. Event Type: Workshops, Seminars & Institutes. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: The Forum.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
For more info visit www.forumea.org. Forum Workshops: Accelerated Residency
2026 Accelerated Residency
The Accelerated Residency is a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad and learn alongside colleagues. During this intensive three-day residency, you will attend all six of the workshops that make up the Professional Certification Program and leave having completed nearly all requirements needed to become certified.
Details for the 2026 Accelerated Residency are as follows:
Dates: Monday, June 22, 2026, 8:00 a.m. - Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Boston College (140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467)
Key Upcoming dates:
September 25, 2025: Registration Opens
March 20, 2026: Scholarship Application Deadline.
Event Type: Workshops, Seminars & Institutes. Cost: Enrollment Fees:
Member: $2,250
Non-member: $2,999
The enrollment fee includes: Six Professional Certification in person workshops. , Online learning management system with comprehensive resources, tips, and assignment uploads. , Timely and helpful feedback from Certified Professionals trained to assess and certify the participant’s knowledge and application of the Standards of Good Practice. , Lunch for each full day of the Accelerated Residency. On successful completion of the program,… Country of the event: United States of America. State / City: Massachusetts. Organization: The Forum.
Monday, June 22, 2026, 8:00 AM – Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 5:00 PM.
Boston College (140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467).
For more info visit www.forumea.org. Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026
The Global Sustainable Development Congress brings together the world's leading thinkers, policymakers and organizations to drive alliances and create positive action for a more sustainable future.
Now in its fifth year, the congress testifies to a powerful movement of universities, governments and companies providing transformative leadership to make the world a better place.
Event Type: International Education Conferences. Country of the event: Indonesia. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Monday, June 22, 2026, 12:00 PM – Thursday, June 25, 2026, 1:00 PM.
Jakarta, Indonesia.
For more info visit www.gsdcongress.com. Institute on Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Management 2026 (In-Person)
Advancing Health & Safety in Education Abroad
Join us in Boston, Massachusetts, in June 2026 for the Institute on Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Management (Health & Safety Institute)—where education abroad professionals will gather for the field’s premier event for risk management-related issues.
As our field navigates ongoing challenges, this Institute underscores the essential contributions of health, safety, and risk management professionals in fostering responsible and resilient education abroad programs.
Gather with us and leave with tangible tools to strengthen institutional and organizational strategies for risk mitigation, incident prevention, emergency response, and overall well-being for education abroad participants. .
Event Type: Workshops, Seminars & Institutes. Cost: See registration page for more details: https://web.forumea.org/atlas/events-v4/register/3475. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: The Forum.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Boston, MA.
For more info visit www.forumea.org. ICEF Africa
An outstanding opportunity for international educational institutions, as well as specialist providers offering related services, to meet a large selection of student recruitment partners from across the African continent.
Event Type: International Student Recruitment Fairs (Non-US Students). Country of the event: Ghana. Organization: ICEF.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 1:00 PM – Friday, June 26, 2026, 2:00 PM.
Accra, Ghana.
For more info visit www.icef.com. IDP Philippines Study Abroad Virtual Fair: Universities
Visit the website for more information.
Online Location: https://www.idp.com/philippines/events/idp-philippines-study-abroad-virtual-fair%3A-universities/bf5ddd5d-99b3-41a3-a753-d9c6c7b1a30e/. Event Type: International Student Recruitment Fairs (Non-US Students). Country of the event: Philippines. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Thursday, June 25, 2026, 11:00 PM – Friday, June 26, 2026, 12:00 AM.
For more info visit www.idp.com. Academic Wellness Ambassador Program - Meditation Retreat
Join us in the Nation’s Capital for a three-day meditation retreat over Independence Day weekend. Set against the powerful symbolism of liberation and renewal, this immersive experience invites you to pause, reset, and realign.
Through guided meditation, breathwork, and intentional practices aligned with the seven chakras, you’ll be supported in releasing what has been draining you—and amplifying what has been quietly calling you forward. You’ll leave with a clearer mind, a steadier body, and practical tools to sustain your energy long after the fireworks fade.
As the nation commemorates its 250th Independence celebration, you’ll step into a structured, supportive space designed to help you regulate your nervous system, clear mental noise, and reconnect with what often feels like your own spiritual superpowers: calm focus, intuition, confidence, groundedness, and emotional balance.
Event Type: Workshops, Seminars & Institutes. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Friday, July 3, 2026, 11:00 AM – Sunday, July 5, 2026, 12:00 PM.
Washington DC, USA National Mall.
For more info visit docs.google.com. 2026 International ACAC Annual Conference
The 2026 International ACAC Annual Conference is a five-day premier professional development and networking event for higher education admissions officers, high school counselors, and independent educational consultants who support students transitioning to universities globally.
Event Type: International Education Conferences. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 12:00 PM – Thursday, July 16, 2026, 1:00 PM.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
For more info visit www.internationalacac.org. F-1 Student Advising for Beginners
Join international education colleagues for this offering of F-1 Student Advising for Beginners!
A must-have training for the new Designated School Official (DSO) to jump-start their career. The workshop offers new advisers a key foundation for understanding the compliance role of the DSO. Participants will benefit from a solid combination of specific knowledge that can be applied to common scenarios as well as understanding how and where to find the regulations for further reading and research. The workshop materials serve as current resources for referral when the DSO is back in the office confronting the daily tasks of advising F-1 students.
Online Location: https://account.nafsa.org/NAFSA/Home/Register/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=26VCW_F1B2&_gl=1*546i5k*_gcl_au*MTk2MzI4NDY1OC4xNzU3NTE5NjIy*FPAU*MTk2MzI4NDY1OC4xNzU3NTE5NjIy*_ga*MTgyNDQ4MDc5NS4xNzU3NTE5NjI2*_ga_X8EW4FTG60*czE3NjQwMDY1OTQkbzEwJGcxJHQxNzY0MDA3Nzk0JGo2MCRsMCRoMTY0OTczNzg0OA..*_fplc*Z2RKMVVRd3FiY29DellJWXY5NEhsYm1tdlVNRlo0RkJzbmR1QWZzSTNVMUd2emNWVVFHcENOUDRQME9jeklBY3ZwNng0MXlIOWU4SzNTVElXMlVDdGRTZzhBZExUeVNLU0dVMFFMR1R2NVhQMUZrNU8lMkY0VWRnM0lpeVVRT1ElM0QlM0Q. Event Type: Workshops, Seminars & Institutes. Cost: Member
$345
Nonmember
$485
Student Member
$233. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: NAFSA.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 2:00 PM – Friday, July 17, 2026, 5:00 PM.
For more info visit www.nafsa.org. Virtual F-1 Student Advising for Beginners
A must-have training for the new Designated School Official (DSO) to jump-start their career. The workshop offers new advisers a key foundation for understanding the compliance role of the DSO. Participants will benefit from a solid combination of specific knowledge that can be applied to common scenarios as well as understanding how and where to find the regulations for further reading and research. The workshop materials serve as current resources for referral when the DSO is back in the office confronting the daily tasks of advising F-1 students.
Workshop Objectives Interpret student requests and accurately advise them on how to maintain their F-1 status. , Make informed decisions using a process that will incorporate the myriad influences affecting the decision. , Comply with legal and institutional reporting requirements. , Educate key parties on important matters involving international students. Workshop Agenda Overview of U.S. Residents , Government Agencies , Hierarchy of Authority , Attaining F-1…
Event Type: Workshops, Seminars & Institutes. Cost: $485 for nonmembers
$345 for NAFSA members
$233 for NAFSA student members. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 2:00 PM – Friday, July 17, 2026, 5:00 PM.
For more info visit www.nafsa.org. The PIE Live Asia-Pacific 2026
The PIE Live Asia Pacific
The PIE Live leads and challenges the conversations you won't be having elsewhere. We connect a global community of people playing a key part in the international education sector.
This event brings together an international audience of over 375 individuals, representing 19 countries. With more than 60 expert speakers and over 30 innovative sponsors and exhibitors sharing their knowledge and latest insights.
Through our news, analysis and intelligence, The PIE offers a global lens into the inner workings of the sector. We share the information and insights you need to stay up to date and succeed in your career.
Our content is curated and tailored by our expert editorial team, and is aimed at professionals at all stages of their international education career.
Diversity is our strength. Over 25% of our attendees travel from overseas. Our audience attracts: higher education institutions and colleges, English language schools, vocational education and training providers, recruiters…
Event Type: International Education Conferences. Country of the event: Australia. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 – Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Hota, gold coast, australia.
For more info visit www.thepielive.com. Virtual Employment-Based Permanent Residence
Unlock the complexities of managing lawful permanent residence based on employment. Clear institutional policies and procedures are essential for employment-based lawful permanent residence. The carefully curated content is geared to towards empowering participants to engage effectively with key campus stakeholders who play a crucial role in shaping institutional permanent residency sponsorship policies. During this engaging hands on workshop participants will examine faculty and non-faculty employment-based permanent residency cases to define issues, review required forms and processes, and develop strong institutional policies.
Workshop Objectives Describe the essential eligibility criteria, procedures, and regulatory underpinnings of lawful permanent residence for common employment-based categories. , Recognize issues affecting the employment-based permanent residence process. , Initiate or review institutional policies for permanent residence sponsorship. Workshop Agenda Introductions to EB Pathways to…
Cost: $485 for nonmembers
$345 for NAFSA members
$233 for NAFSA student members. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 2:00 PM – Friday, July 31, 2026, 5:00 PM.
For more info visit www.nafsa.org. 2026 CII Summer Meeting
The Commission on International Initiatives (CII) will host their summer meeting at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City, Mexico. This convening will bring together Senior International Officers and individuals interested in international research, international agriculture, and economic development (open to members from CECE, COR, and BAA’s IAS).
What to expect at the 2026 CII Summer Meeting: Workshops around international research, partnership development, and economic development , Opportunities to engage with Mexican universities and the higher education sector , Opportunities for meetings with key Mexican government agencies , Meetings with Mexican chambers of commerce and business leaders,
See you in Mexico City in August.
Event Type: International Education Conferences. Country of the event: Mexico. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 8:00 AM – Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 5:00 PM.
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City, Mexico.
For more info visit www.aplu.org. NAFSA: J-1 Advising: Intermediate
Join international education colleagues for this offering of J-1 Advising: Intermediate!
This workshop compliments and broadens your knowledge gained after completing the J-1 Advising for Beginners workshop since it goes more deeply into grey areas of J advising. This workshop is designed to help you think through the development of policies, procedures, and practices necessary to maintain a healthy J program for your institution. Ample time is provided to focus on model practices based on current scenarios as well as to reflect on how these practices could improve your own J program.
Online Location: https://account.nafsa.org/NAFSA/Home/Register/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=26VCW_J1A2&_gl=1*180deht*_gcl_au*MTk2MzI4NDY1OC4xNzU3NTE5NjIy*FPAU*MTk2MzI4NDY1OC4xNzU3NTE5NjIy*_ga*MTgyNDQ4MDc5NS4xNzU3NTE5NjI2*_ga_X8EW4FTG60*czE3NjQwMDY1OTQkbzEwJGcxJHQxNzY0MDA5NjQwJGo2MCRsMCRoMTY0OTczNzg0OA..*_fplc*NFhWQUpsVWYyWTU5cVhyJTJCQlpESjRmRiUyQlAwdSUyQnZQV0Y3dzcxcWVaJTJCN0JYWnhpeSUyQnpGejhUWFowWCUyQmdwcjFEQTlGdUpiY21BSTFuZ2pCMUxnJTJGTG5LdUEzYjNRQlNFUlclMkYzRzB5ZWp3dERPVWhocm1KaUlhREFtVDVvZjNQQSUzRCUzRA.. Event Type: Workshops, Seminars & Institutes. Cost: $485 for nonmembers
$345 for NAFSA members
$233 for NAFSA student members. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: NAFSA.
Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 2:00 PM – Friday, August 7, 2026, 5:00 PM.
For more info visit www.nafsa.org. Virtual Internships, Research, and Service Learning Abroad
How are you managing the rising demand for experiential learning abroad on your campus? Discover how the design and administration of these learning opportunities differ from traditional study abroad programs. This workshop covers the essentials for adapting your knowledge set for program design and logistics of research, internship, and service learning abroad programs. Discuss with experts the range of programs available and how to choose the best options for your institution.
Workshop Objectives Consider necessary differences in program development, implementation and administration of these models reflecting institutional context and commitment. , Identify adaptations needed to engage in high quality, career-driven advising practices. , Build an internship, service learning, and research abroad portfolio that addresses the capacities of your institution and assesses provider programs.
Workshop Agenda Traditional Education Abroad vs. work abroad , Expanding your program portfolio , Facilitating program…
Cost: $325 for nonmembers
$225 for NAFSA members
$145 for NAFSA student members. Country of the event: United States of America. Organization: Gateway International Group.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 2:00 PM – Friday, August 21, 2026, 4:30 PM.
For more info visit www.nafsa.org.